Use of Electroless Anode Active Layer in Anode-Supported Planar SOFC

In SOFC, a novel Ni-YSZ cermet developed through electroless technique is used as an anode as well as anode active layer (AAL). In the present investigation, thickness of such AAL (varied in the range 15 - 140 mu m) is optimized sequentially for fabricating high performance single cell. The fabrication technique involves tape casting followed by room temperature lamination to form the half cells. Effect of sintering temperature of half cells on the electrochemical performance has been carried out in the range of 1300 degrees C to 1400 degrees C. A typical I-V characteristics of coupon cell (active area of similar to 0.3 cm(2)) sintered at 1400 degrees C with an optimum AAL thickness show current density of similar to 3 A/cm(2) and power density of similar to 2 W/cm(2) at 0.7 V and 800 degrees C. Electrochemical performances of single cells using only electroless anode are also evaluated for comparison. Microstructures of these single cells are correlated with the electrochemical performances.